Rangers at Virunga National Park taking a fresh census of the preserve's mountain gorillas after being allowed to return by rebel Tutsi general Laurent Nkunda.
The director of the Virunga National Park in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo says the park’s endangered mountain gorilla population appears to be unscathed despite the current conflict between rebel fighters and the government.
“We are happy to report that most of them seem to be doing well,” park director Emmanuel de Merode said in a statement.
Rangers were recently allowed access to the primates for the first time since rebel Tutsi general Laurent Nkunda's men forced them out 15 months ago.
Nkunda's National Congress for the Defence of the People has engaged in fierce battles with the government and other militia groups around the park over the last few months.
Video still: Wildlife Direct